Are you craving the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread but hesitant about the heaviness of whole wheat? This recipe for Whole Wheat White Flour Bread strikes the perfect balance! It combines the nutty goodness of whole wheat with the soft texture of white flour, resulting in a delicious and surprisingly easy-to-make loaf. Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoyed on its own, this recipe is a fantastic addition to your homemade cooking repertoire. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe is a guaranteed winner for quick dinner ideas and healthy meals.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or more, as needed)
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
Instructions:
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and honey (or sugar). Gently stir and let stand for 5-10 minutes until the mixture is foamy. This ensures your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic!
Step 2: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the olive oil to the yeast mixture. In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more all-purpose flour, a tablespoon at a time. This step develops the gluten, resulting in a better texture.
Step 4: First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This is where the magic of yeast happens, creating air pockets for a light and airy loaf.
Step 5: Shape and Second Rise
Punch down the dough to release the air. Shape the dough into a round or oval loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and let the dough rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until almost doubled.
Step 6: Bake the Bread
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200°F (93°C). You can use a bread thermometer for accurate results.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Resist the urge to slice into it while it's still warm – patience is key for the best texture!
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor: Add a tablespoon of vital wheat gluten to the dry ingredients.
- Add some seeds: Incorporate sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or flax seeds into the dough for added nutrition and texture.
- Make it a sweeter loaf: Add ½ cup of raisins or cranberries to the dough.
- Experiment with herbs: Add a teaspoon of dried rosemary or thyme for an aromatic twist.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
Calories: 150-200 Protein: 5-7g Carbohydrates: 30-40g Fiber: 3-5g
This whole wheat white flour bread recipe is a simple yet satisfying way to enjoy a delicious and healthy homemade loaf. It's a perfect example of easy recipes that deliver both flavor and nutritional value, making it a great addition to your weekly meal plan. Enjoy!